My speech last week at the news conference
I thought I'd share my speaking notes from my news conference last Friday...
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and let me begin by thanking all of you – members of the media, family, friends, and supporters -- for taking the time to be here today to share in what is, for me, probably one of my worst kept secrets, but arguably one of the most important decisions (and announcements) that I’ve made up to this point in my political career.
As anticipated, this morning I am officially announcing my candidacy to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the District of Mount Pearl North. As with all important decisions that we make throughout one’s lifetime, this decision was not made without its share of thoughtful deliberation, soul searching, consultation with loved ones, friends, and trusted colleagues, as well as the added hype and speculation that is almost always associated with political life in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I guess that’s what makes political life in this province always anything but boring. Yet for all that, in many respects, the decision to seek the PC nomination was actually relatively easy to make!
There are two things that I must do immediately, because they really pave the way for everything else that I want to say to you this morning.
First of all, I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, Council colleagues, and my many supporters and volunteers, many of whom are here with me today, for the unwavering support and confidence you have given me over the past ten years. Whatever I have achieved, I have only been able to achieve because of your unconditional love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Words can hardly express the gratitude that I owe to the people of Mount Pearl for the confidence, trust, and support that they have given me over the past decade in municipal life. This was never more true than in 1997 when, as a young nineteen year old, you gave me an overwhelming vote of confidence that immediately catapulted me into the Deputy Mayor’s chair in my very first term in office. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to serve the people of Mount Pearl first as Deputy Mayor, and for the past number of years as your Mayor. One of the primary considerations in being able to arrive at this important decision today, is that this opportunity enables me to continue to serve the people of Mount Pearl, as a member of the House of Assembly, if I am successful in securing the PC nomination for the upcoming October general election.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge the immeasurable contributions to the City of Mount Pearl, and to public life in general, made by the current member for Waterford Valley, the Honourable Speaker of the House, Harvey Hodder. Harvey has served the people of Mount Pearl in public life for an incredible 38 years, and I can tell you that there are no bigger shoes to fill in any district in this province than to follow Harvey Hodder’s sterling career in public life in the City of Mount Pearl. Harvey Hodder is, and has always been, regarded as a man of integrity, a man with boundless energy, a man with passion, and an unbelievable worker in his district. There is likely no one who will ever match his contributions to this city as a builder and pioneer. How fortunate we have been to have had him serve the people of Mount Pearl in public life for so many successive years. I would be truly humbled to be in a position to carry on the tradition of strong representation and leadership that Harvey has provided to this district. In due course, the work and contributions of Harvey will be more formally acknowledged, but we could never repay him for what he has done to help build Mount Pearl into the thriving city that we all so much enjoy today. Harvey, on behalf of all citizens of Mount Pearl, thank you so much.
As for my own political career, I guess the obvious questions are, “Why now?” and “Why the Tory banner?”
Throughout my relatively young life, my loyalty has always been, first and foremost, to individuals (and to policies) that I felt best served the interests of the people of Mount Pearl, and the interests of this province (and indeed this country), more than to any particular political party. My record speaks for itself in this regard.
Like many far more prominent (and successful) Newfoundland and Labrador politicians, the primary motivation for my support has always been the people and the policies first, and it is on the basis of these important benchmarks that I have made my decision to seek the PC nomination in Mount Pearl North. I firmly believe that Premier Danny Williams has earned the trust and respect of the people of this province. It is for this reason that he commands an almost unprecedented level of approval among the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. His personal popularity, and the popularity of his government is no accident.
The PC Party’s Blue Book is filled with policies and a direction that will carry this province into a new era of independence, wealth, and prosperity. It is the Progressive Conservative Party that will restore the dignity and pride of our people for many years to come, as we take our rightful place as contributing members of this great country. It’s hard, if not downright impossible, not to be filled with pride when we hear our Premier categorically state as he visits every corner of this vast country that, “Newfoundland and Labrador’s time has come.” And indeed it has, ladies and gentlemen. Newfoundland and Labrador’s time has come!
To be able to play a role, in whatever form that may be, in advancing this agenda and continuing to shape this vision for a more viable and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador is something that excites and motivates me. Quite frankly, I would be honoured to play a role in forging a better future for our people and this place we call home.
In political life there are no guarantees, and I take nothing for granted. Opportunities can be there one day and gone tomorrow. Therefore, my decision to offer myself to the people of Mount Pearl North at this time is based on a combination of important factors, including timing, opportunity, a strong belief in the leadership and direction of the present Williams government, and the security of knowing that the City of Mount Pearl will remain in very capable hands at the municipal level for many years to come.
I am, and I have always been a team player, and I believe that there has never been a stronger team assembled at the provincial level to finally give the province of Newfoundland and Labrador its just due. I suspect that this PC team will only be strengthened in the weeks and months ahead. Our future is bright, and we are just beginning.
I have already assembled an incredibly dedicated and capable campaign team and our work is well underway. I am pleased to announce that Paul Lane and Janet Browne are co-chairing my campaign management team. Along with Paul and Janet, we have an amazing team of directors, coordinators, poll captains and volunteers who share my passion for our community and our province. Between now and nomination day, and from there to the last day of the October election campaign, we will leave no stone unturned in our attempts to present our views, to talk to constituents, and to listen to your concerns.
I can honestly say, that I have never been more proud to put my name forward, and I have never been more confident in the ability of our province to continue its course of unprecedented growth and prosperity for many years to come. I humbly ask the electorate of Mount Pearl North for your support, and in return, I will continue to provide you with the same kind of determined representation and leadership that I have so faithfully given to the residents of Mount Pearl during my almost ten years in public life.
I wish I could say that in all those years my decisions have always been right. But in all honesty - I can’t. But I’ve learned, especially in the political world, it’s not so much a matter of “being” right, as it is a case of “doing” what is right. And I can tell you that I have always tried to “do” what is right and best for the people that I have served. If there was ever an appropriate slogan that captures the spirit and essence of politics, it is simply this, “What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.”
For me, this is the beginning of an entirely new journey, and as with most journeys, there will be unfamiliar territory and probably some rough going along the way. But we have strong leadership and a determined crew. I look forward to the challenges that this opportunity will undoubtedly bring my way, and today marks “Day One” of our journey to victory in the October general election when we will deliver another victory for the provincial PC Party in the newly formed district of Mount Pearl North.
I thank you all for being here and for sharing this special moment with me today, and I will now open the floor for any questions that you may have of me at this time.
Thank you very much.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and let me begin by thanking all of you – members of the media, family, friends, and supporters -- for taking the time to be here today to share in what is, for me, probably one of my worst kept secrets, but arguably one of the most important decisions (and announcements) that I’ve made up to this point in my political career.
As anticipated, this morning I am officially announcing my candidacy to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the District of Mount Pearl North. As with all important decisions that we make throughout one’s lifetime, this decision was not made without its share of thoughtful deliberation, soul searching, consultation with loved ones, friends, and trusted colleagues, as well as the added hype and speculation that is almost always associated with political life in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I guess that’s what makes political life in this province always anything but boring. Yet for all that, in many respects, the decision to seek the PC nomination was actually relatively easy to make!
There are two things that I must do immediately, because they really pave the way for everything else that I want to say to you this morning.
First of all, I want to sincerely thank my family, friends, Council colleagues, and my many supporters and volunteers, many of whom are here with me today, for the unwavering support and confidence you have given me over the past ten years. Whatever I have achieved, I have only been able to achieve because of your unconditional love and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Words can hardly express the gratitude that I owe to the people of Mount Pearl for the confidence, trust, and support that they have given me over the past decade in municipal life. This was never more true than in 1997 when, as a young nineteen year old, you gave me an overwhelming vote of confidence that immediately catapulted me into the Deputy Mayor’s chair in my very first term in office. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to serve the people of Mount Pearl first as Deputy Mayor, and for the past number of years as your Mayor. One of the primary considerations in being able to arrive at this important decision today, is that this opportunity enables me to continue to serve the people of Mount Pearl, as a member of the House of Assembly, if I am successful in securing the PC nomination for the upcoming October general election.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge the immeasurable contributions to the City of Mount Pearl, and to public life in general, made by the current member for Waterford Valley, the Honourable Speaker of the House, Harvey Hodder. Harvey has served the people of Mount Pearl in public life for an incredible 38 years, and I can tell you that there are no bigger shoes to fill in any district in this province than to follow Harvey Hodder’s sterling career in public life in the City of Mount Pearl. Harvey Hodder is, and has always been, regarded as a man of integrity, a man with boundless energy, a man with passion, and an unbelievable worker in his district. There is likely no one who will ever match his contributions to this city as a builder and pioneer. How fortunate we have been to have had him serve the people of Mount Pearl in public life for so many successive years. I would be truly humbled to be in a position to carry on the tradition of strong representation and leadership that Harvey has provided to this district. In due course, the work and contributions of Harvey will be more formally acknowledged, but we could never repay him for what he has done to help build Mount Pearl into the thriving city that we all so much enjoy today. Harvey, on behalf of all citizens of Mount Pearl, thank you so much.
As for my own political career, I guess the obvious questions are, “Why now?” and “Why the Tory banner?”
Throughout my relatively young life, my loyalty has always been, first and foremost, to individuals (and to policies) that I felt best served the interests of the people of Mount Pearl, and the interests of this province (and indeed this country), more than to any particular political party. My record speaks for itself in this regard.
Like many far more prominent (and successful) Newfoundland and Labrador politicians, the primary motivation for my support has always been the people and the policies first, and it is on the basis of these important benchmarks that I have made my decision to seek the PC nomination in Mount Pearl North. I firmly believe that Premier Danny Williams has earned the trust and respect of the people of this province. It is for this reason that he commands an almost unprecedented level of approval among the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. His personal popularity, and the popularity of his government is no accident.
The PC Party’s Blue Book is filled with policies and a direction that will carry this province into a new era of independence, wealth, and prosperity. It is the Progressive Conservative Party that will restore the dignity and pride of our people for many years to come, as we take our rightful place as contributing members of this great country. It’s hard, if not downright impossible, not to be filled with pride when we hear our Premier categorically state as he visits every corner of this vast country that, “Newfoundland and Labrador’s time has come.” And indeed it has, ladies and gentlemen. Newfoundland and Labrador’s time has come!
To be able to play a role, in whatever form that may be, in advancing this agenda and continuing to shape this vision for a more viable and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador is something that excites and motivates me. Quite frankly, I would be honoured to play a role in forging a better future for our people and this place we call home.
In political life there are no guarantees, and I take nothing for granted. Opportunities can be there one day and gone tomorrow. Therefore, my decision to offer myself to the people of Mount Pearl North at this time is based on a combination of important factors, including timing, opportunity, a strong belief in the leadership and direction of the present Williams government, and the security of knowing that the City of Mount Pearl will remain in very capable hands at the municipal level for many years to come.
I am, and I have always been a team player, and I believe that there has never been a stronger team assembled at the provincial level to finally give the province of Newfoundland and Labrador its just due. I suspect that this PC team will only be strengthened in the weeks and months ahead. Our future is bright, and we are just beginning.
I have already assembled an incredibly dedicated and capable campaign team and our work is well underway. I am pleased to announce that Paul Lane and Janet Browne are co-chairing my campaign management team. Along with Paul and Janet, we have an amazing team of directors, coordinators, poll captains and volunteers who share my passion for our community and our province. Between now and nomination day, and from there to the last day of the October election campaign, we will leave no stone unturned in our attempts to present our views, to talk to constituents, and to listen to your concerns.
I can honestly say, that I have never been more proud to put my name forward, and I have never been more confident in the ability of our province to continue its course of unprecedented growth and prosperity for many years to come. I humbly ask the electorate of Mount Pearl North for your support, and in return, I will continue to provide you with the same kind of determined representation and leadership that I have so faithfully given to the residents of Mount Pearl during my almost ten years in public life.
I wish I could say that in all those years my decisions have always been right. But in all honesty - I can’t. But I’ve learned, especially in the political world, it’s not so much a matter of “being” right, as it is a case of “doing” what is right. And I can tell you that I have always tried to “do” what is right and best for the people that I have served. If there was ever an appropriate slogan that captures the spirit and essence of politics, it is simply this, “What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.”
For me, this is the beginning of an entirely new journey, and as with most journeys, there will be unfamiliar territory and probably some rough going along the way. But we have strong leadership and a determined crew. I look forward to the challenges that this opportunity will undoubtedly bring my way, and today marks “Day One” of our journey to victory in the October general election when we will deliver another victory for the provincial PC Party in the newly formed district of Mount Pearl North.
I thank you all for being here and for sharing this special moment with me today, and I will now open the floor for any questions that you may have of me at this time.
Thank you very much.
